Oliver’s Modern American Set to Elevate Scottsdale’s Dining Scene This May

South Scottsdale is in for a culinary treat as Clayton Companies unveils its latest venture, Oliver’s Modern American, slated to open this May. Nestled at 3207 N. Hayden Road, adjacent to its sister establishment, The Eleanor, Oliver’s promises to redefine dining experiences in the area. Housed within an iconic mid-century building, meticulously relocated and restored, the grand opening is eagerly anticipated later this spring.

Photo byOliver's Modern American

The distinctive triangular roofline of the 1960s Polynesian-style architecture, originally crafted by the renowned Ralph Haver’s firm, will undoubtedly catch the eye of patrons. Once serving as the nation’s sole Polynesian Dairy Queen, the building underwent a remarkable journey, being rescued from demolition in 2019 by local real estate developer Tom Frenkel.

Frenkel’s vision to preserve the historic charm of the structure and integrate it into the mid-century retail plaza alongside The Eleanor was brought to fruition with the expertise of ALINE Architecture and Social Design Studio.

ALINE Architecture spearheaded the reconstruction of the 1,000-square-foot building, now home to Oliver’s cocktail lounge, while expanding the space to accommodate a 3,400-square-foot main dining area. Meanwhile, Social Design Studio curated an ambiance that strikes the perfect balance between sophistication and warmth, paying homage to the building’s legacy with a captivating history wall adorned with photographs and memorabilia from the original Scottsdale Polynesian Dairy Queen.

The exterior space offers a nod to nostalgia with subtropical foliage and lava rock salvaged from the original patio, creating a retro-chic oasis for outdoor dining enthusiasts.

Nicole Herman, lead Interior Designer and Founder of Social Design Studio, shares her excitement, stating, “As we approach the grand opening of Oliver’s, we couldn’t be more thrilled to unveil a space that seamlessly blends modernity with the rich tapestry of midcentury history. Patrons are in for a truly unique experience.”

While Oliver’s embraces its heritage, the culinary journey it offers is undeniably contemporary. Head chef and partner, boasting a decade-long tenure at La Grande Orange before joining Clayton Companies, has curated a menu featuring innovative twists on classic favorites. From Moroccan Chicken Skewers to Coffee-Crusted New York Strip, Scallops served with a tantalizing blend of creamed corn, coconut, cashew, and serrano pepper, to Asparagus Whipped Feta, each dish promises a culinary adventure. Complementing the fare is an extensive wine selection and a lineup of imaginative craft cocktails like the Ancho Margarita and Patio Views.

Frenkel expresses his enthusiasm, remarking, “Oliver’s is a true gem in this retail plaza and for South Scottsdale as a whole. It’s a testament to the city’s rich history, reborn for the modern palate, and the community’s response has been overwhelmingly positive.”

Oliver’s is gearing up for a private soft opening in early May, with proceeds benefiting the Scottsdale Historical Society, followed by a grand opening later in the month. Stay tuned for updates by following @oliversaz on Instagram.

Photo byRyan Meeks

Ryan Meeks is a Real Estate Professional serving the entire Phoenix Metro area! Ryan Meeks and his team can be contacted at Ryan@Meeksteam.com or by phone at (480) 612-2219. Be sure to visit our YouTube Channel for more great content YouTube.com/EscapeToArizona